Finding the Courage to Cross the Learning Chasm

Frameworks offer a clear and fundamental foundation for understanding a concept. However, I have come to realise that they can become a pitfall if one is bound to the framework and lacks the ability to see or adapt beyond the structured methodology. This becomes prominent when one adheres strictly to a narrow perspective and not adapting from their experiences.

As Miles Kington put it, “Knowledge is understanding that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is choosing not to add it to a fruit salad.” Knowledge derived from the frameworks, while invaluable, requires the complement of wisdom: the ability to apply knowledge discerningly.

Don’t just follow the map but also create them

While frameworks provide the foundation for understanding, sensemaking would be the skill of navigating beyond the map. It’s about being comfortable in the unknown, relying on one’s intuition, experience, and the ability to connect seemingly unrelated dots.

If one views learning as a dynamic journey, its essence closely resembles the stages of ‘Shu Ha Ri Kokoro’. In the ‘Kokoro’ stage, fueled by personal experiences and deep-seated intuition, the learner defines the meaning behind their actions. They shape their own narrative rather than allowing their actions to define them.

Crossing the learning chasm

Take Jiro Sushi, for instance. One of the foremost sushi masters who is renowned for innovating methods used in modern sushi preparation. His journey shows how one can go beyond traditional methods by building on experiences and continuously learning outside set boundaries.

I am fond of the idea that we should search our own answers in our learning process. It is a pathway to understanding our value and achieving personal fulfilment. This reminds me of Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroscientist who, after experiencing a stroke, identified four characters living in her head. She offers a interesting insight on the importance of introspection and self-embrace.

“As long as we live in a society that rewards us for what we do, rather than for who we are, we will feel undervalued and unfulfilled. For many of us, our goal has been to “get rid of” or “fix” the most unruly, unattractive, or vulnerable parts of ourselves. But when we choose to embrace, listen to, and nurture all of our character, we will mature, grow and evolve into that person our dog already think we are” — Jill Bolte Taylor, Whole Brain Living

The courage to cross the chasm

As we continue to face challenges that don’t fit the mould, the ability to make sense of the unfamiliar will be one of the essential skill of future leaders and innovators.

Yet, I feel that a notable gap in our educational systems is the insufficient emphasis on adaptability and self-awareness during the learning process. I believe that true understanding goes beyond merely grasping a framework. However, I have been wondering: how might we design to help learners cross the chasm and explore the boundless possibilities that lie ahead?

How might we design to help learners cross the chasm and explore the boundless possibilities that lie ahead?

Finding the courage to be curious

For some, curiosity is like a daunting ‘C’ monster, especially when faced with the uncertainty of what lies ahead. This can be likened to the ‘what’s in the box’ challenge, where one might feel a mix of surprise and horror.

‘What’s in the box’ challenge show

Building the courage

In Cindy Colomon’s TED talk, she offers a straightforward approach to cultivating courage. She emphasises three key strategies that highlight introspection and the recognition of one’s position :

1. Recognise the opportunity. These are the times to strengthen your ‘courage muscle.’
2. Get comfortable with discomfort, such as making mistakes or feeling silly.
3. Change the perspective and mindset by asking, ‘What’s the best thing that could happen?’ rather than always wondering, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?

How to Build Courage from Cindy Solomon

Be like Super Mario

I really appreciated the insights from the talk. Drawing a parallel, it’s like a gamer venturing into World 1–1 in Super Mario for the first time, confronting a world that’s Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA)

A gamer venturing into World 1–1 in Super Mario for the first time

If the idea of been courage and curious intimidates you, consider the lessons we can draw from the Super Mario Bros game. Proceed with baby steps and tread with Cat-like Caution: This is where introspective and sensemaking becomes crucial. Much like how a cat approaches its surroundings with alertness and care.

In some cases, curiosity might have killed the cat, but satisfaction will surely brought it back.

Notes and References

• Reality without framework
  “The flip side of ‘framework-as-sensemaking-crutch’ is that your ability to make sense of your unique situation is titrated through the framework’s model of the reality. The more you rely on frameworks, the more you lose your ability to think from first principles. Conversely, the less time you spent thinking through the lens of a framework, the more embedded you remain in reality … and the more critical you can be.”
• How (and why) to roll your own frameworks in consulting engagements
  “A framework is a way of organising information that supports comprehension and recall. A well-designed framework can communicate both simple and complex ideas without overwhelming the reader. While there are many widely used frameworks that have stood the test of time, every project has unique raw materials that can lead to something new. A framework, even one that appears at first glance to be mundane, has the potential to reveal the world in a new light. It takes time to tease out the optimal framework, from the first inkling of an idea run by the team to stress-testing the model to see it if stands up to new data. Novices tend to become enamoured by high-concept/low-data frameworks that take an additional cognitive effort to process and are light on insight.”